Issue 7 2023-24

The Pelican Vol. LXXII, No. 7

St. Paul's School

OPINION TAKING GIANT STEPS LA COLOMBE: EXILED AT COP28 Wilson Xie '26 United Nations Climate Change Conferences, or COPs, are conventions in which the whole world joins together to discuss and agree upon ways to address the climate crisis. The COPs take place annually and have remained the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change, with almost complete representation from every country. In the three decades since the Rio Summit and the launch of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the COPs have convened every year to determine their desire and responsibility and to identify and assess climate measures. The 21st session of the COP (COP21) led to the Paris Agreement, which mobilized global collective action to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. If Paris gave us the agreement, Katowice in Poland (COP24) and Glasgow in Scotland (COP26) showed us the plan.

COP28 then shifted us to implementation.

This year’s COP took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, with more than 70,000 delegates attending, the largest in history.

I have long advocated for environmental issues by creating artwork and articles to spread awareness and by hosting community services to bring more people into action.

A non-profit organization in Boston picked up what I did and believed that I would be a good representative of the youth perspective, so they invited me to speak at COP28.

When I was there for my speech, I walked around the expo area and attended the forums of the day. Numerous state leaders and governmental officials were in attendance, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Vice President Kamala Harris, US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and Britain’s King Charles III. Business and NGO leaders represented fields such as infrastructure, ESG, education, and ocean acidification. Passionate young people, dedicated climate scientists, respected Indigenous Peoples, thought-provoking journalists, and various other experts and stakeholders were in attendance. It was incredible to see people Continued on Page 2

Lulu Mangriotis '25 I will never forget the day I walked into the School Store, looked at the fridge, turned to Mimi, and asked her: “Where are the La Colombes?”

She looked at me with deep sorrow in her eyes as she told me the most devastating news the SPS Community could fathom.

They weren’t selling La Colombes anymore.

My heart dropped to my feet and my eyes welled with tears. “Our vendor does not sell them anymore,” she said, “because La Colombe decided to only privately distribute them.”

I knew this was news I had to share with the rest of the St. Paul’s community.

For those who loved La Colombes, you were acquainted with the white can and beautiful printed words: “Vanilla, Mocha, Double Shot, Triple Shot.” La Colombe carContinued on Page 7

January 23, 2024

HOW TO VOTE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Gretta White '25 Snow has fallen, birds are chirping, and it's finally January! You know what that means: voting season. Jan. 23 is the date for the New Hampshire primary, and it will be important for you to know what is required before you get your ballot.

To be eligible to vote, you must be both a US citizen and 18 years old. If you meet these qualifications, your next step is registering to vote. Fortunately for New Hampshire residents, registering to vote is fairly simple: you can either register in advance or register on primary day.

Registering to vote involves filling out a Voter Registration form and providing proof of citizenship, age, primary residence, and identification. Some examples of proof include your US birth certificate, US passport, driver's license, or an SPS ID card. Any comContinued on Page 3

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARIES Sebastian Brigham '24 At St. Paul’s, we are situated in the heart of New Hampshire, one of the most critical states in the presidential election for its status as a swing state. Being a swing state means that winning over just a few unsure voters can mean victory of the state and of four crucial electoral college votes. Additionally, on Jan. 23, the state will hold the first true test for hopeful presidential candidates: the New Hampshire primary elections.

While the Iowa caucus technically happens first, the New Hampshire primary is the people’s first election in the cycle, making it the first gauge of any candidate’s polling power. So, a big win in New Hampshire can mean boosts in donations and interest –– at the same time, a big loss can take candidates out of the race.

Throughout December and into January, Republican candidates have campaigned heavily in the state. Leading up to the primaContinued on Page 3

Library pond in the winter weather // Photo by Vin Chutijirawong '25

January 23, 2024

The Pelican

P.2

News WINTER TERM CUMULATIVE EXAMS WILL NOT BE HELD Melody Zhang '27 This year, school academic leaders decided not to hold cumulative winter term exams. The end of the winter term will still feature long blocks and many classes will hold longer tests in the traditional format, but no exams will take place in the AFC and tests will not be cumulative for the entire term.

Dean of Academic Affairs Megan Drinkwater explains that the decision not to hold winter finals was made last year, but its implementation was scheduled to begin in the 2023-24 academic year. Drinkwater explains that the change was made for the winter due to the prolonged duration of the term, a result of winterim and several holidays. Instead, she says, “other testing methods, such as projects and tests, can be a better choice for winter term.”

According to Dean of Faculty Lori Bohan, having weighted exams three times a year is unnecessary, can result in a loss of teaching time for teachers and increase stress for students. She believes that two exam periods are enough, with one in the fall and one in the spring. “This time of the year is not

easy on students or teachers,” Bohan says.

“With winter finals accommodating different methods, it gives teachers a lot more teaching time and different ways to assess their students.”

With this change, the last week of winter term will no longer have two full days dedicated to math and science exams. Instead, there will be long blocks for each class for presentations, larger discussions, debates and more.

This change aligns with a rising trend in education: institutions are beginning to reconsider traditional practices to better accommodate the unique challenges of every student. A more holistic approach to assessment and learning may better reflect students’ understanding of the material, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Bohan agrees that testing methods and environments can impact students’ learning in different ways and as a result, lead to different performances. On the other hand, new testing methods help teachers evaluate students’ understanding more comprehensively.

This shift toward testing students more through project-based assessments, presen-

tations, discussions, and collaborative assignments allows students to showcase their knowledge and skills in more diverse ways.

Although winter final exams will not be held, Bohan says, “the knowledge base needed for tests is still cumulative,” meaning that classes will not be any less academically rigorous than previous years. Drinkwater explains that careful consideration has been given to maintaining the quality of the St. Paul’s education. She stresses that winter finals are not technically “canceled,” but are simply taking place in a different form.

Student responses to hearing about the disappearance of winter finals have been positive. “I am really relieved as finals have always been super stressful for me,” says Katherine Lam ‘25. “Having to sit in rows and rows in the AFC before break felt really overwhelming and I’m glad we are switching to do projects this term.”

Other students report feeling relieved, explaining that this change will allow them more time to enjoy their social lives, do physical exercise, and preserve their mental wellbeing. “Coming here was the first time I took finals that weighed so much. Fall term finals were very stressful and took away a lot of

time I could’ve used socializing and learning new information,” Oliver Subramaniam ‘27 says Jackson Sung ‘27 agrees. “The hardest part about finals was managing all these factors, getting the right amount of exercise, seeing my friends, and studying. With the finals being projects, I get more time to focus on my body and go to the gym.”

Sophia Zhang ‘27 says she was equally overjoyed upon hearing about this change.

Zhang reflects on her experience of fall term finals: “I isolated myself from my friends and locked myself in the library capsule in order to study. I stopped going to Friedman at night and canceled a lot of plans with friends.”

While the decision not to hold winter finals may have been a surprise, it aligns well with the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and adaptive learning environment. As academic testing methods continue to evolve, institutions are challenged to find innovative ways to meet the various needs of their students. The decision not to hold winter finals at SPS is one way of responding to the challenge.

SPS ATTENDS THE STUDENT says. “What happens in Antarctica doesn’t DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP Wilson Xie '26 stay in Antarctica. And what happens thousands of miles away has a direct impact right CONFERENCE from all places, with distinct races, religions, here.” The climate crisis is an international GIANT STEPS AT COP28

Continued from Page 1

and backgrounds, gather together in a single city in the middle of the desert, hoping to make an impact on the world.

COP28 became a turning point where countries not only agreed on what stronger climate actions would be taken but also how to deliver them. Achieving progress toward the Paris goals through mitigation, adaptation, adjustment of existing plans, and, most importantly, forceful goals and actions is why COP28 was so important. COP28 closed with an agreement from all countries that signaled “the beginning to the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just, and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts, scaled-up renewable energy, and specified acting plans. “Humanity has finally done what is long, long, long overdue,” proclaimed Wopke Hoekstra, the European commissioner for climate action.

The COPs are truly a miracle because they unite the whole world in solving an international crisis that could only be addressed through global consensus. “[Climate change] spells catastrophe around the world,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres

danger threatening every country in the world. It is in the air we breathe growing warmer each year, in the rising sea levels wounding our coastal cities, and in the changing weather patterns that brought drought in some areas and floods in others.

The COPs are making enormous steps toward achieving a balance between humans and nature, but they also emphasized, especially at COP28, that our simple actions, as individuals, as students, as faculties, and as global citizens, are also vital in saving our daily-worsening planet.

The analogy that I think about all the time is one of building high rises. The first months to years are permitting and digging.

This may be digging up old patterns of thought and removing them or it might mean encountering huge boulders in the way, but once the foundation is set, a new edifice of humanity can be built. For me, this analogy keeps me working. I know we are digging down now, but one day, humanity will build upward, and what will be constructed will be beautiful and long-lasting. The stories we have for tomorrow lie in each of our hands.

Edie Jones '24

From Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, six St. Paul’s students traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to participate in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). Accompanied by faculty members attending the People of Color Conference, also held in St. Louis, the students participated in four days of events. The conference’s schedule was packed, with the middle two days of the conference lasting from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.. The conference’s events included large group sessions with keynote speakers, smaller discussions in "family groups" and "home groups,” and time for networking, meals, and a talent show.

According to the NAIS, the mission of the conference was to “develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learn the foundations of allyship and networking principles.” The students selected to represent St. Paul’s this year at the conference were Hudson Stovall ‘24, Katherine Lam ‘25, Isa Martinez ‘24, Cole

Edwards ‘24, Anna Liu ‘25, and Marlie Ross ‘24. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with both Lam and Edwards saying that the experience was truly “transformative.”

“The conference addressed a lot of issues that we as students are not able to address at school, just because of how overwhelming everything is. Of course we have affinity groups on campus, but we don’t always have time to fully address these topics in the meetings, and the thing with St. Paul’s is that people are often too busy to go to the meetings in the first place,” says Lam. Liu agrees that the conference made her reflect more deeply on diversity at St. Paul’s.

“I felt happy in the moment and overjoyed by the feeling of representation,” she says.

“It’s one of those events where it’s hard to bring back all of your experience and all of the emotions you felt and articulate it to a larger audience.”

Students who participated agreed that Continued on Page 4

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P. 3

News HOW TO LETTER FROM THE EDITORS reader, VOTE IN NEW Dear A specter haunts the St. Paul’s community: the specter of an SPS winter. We have arrived and it has been such a journey, to say the least. Fall term feels like it was HAMPSHIRE atthetheDarkyear'sAges,midpoint, and now there is no looking back because Jack Frost has arrived promptly, and Gretta White '25

Continued from Page 1

bination of these documents that prove citizenship, age, primary residence, and identification will allow you to register. You must bring these documents with you on Jan. 23 to vote.

Along with registering, another important step in the voting process is educating yourself on the candidates. In the next two weeks, reading about each presidential candidate and their political beliefs will be critical in deciding your vote. For the Republican party, at the time of publication, there will be 24 names on the primary ballot. Recognizable names include former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and former US ambassador Nikki Haley.

There will also be people who have dropped out of the race after registering, including former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. For Democrats, there will be 21 names on the primary ballot. Recognizable names include Marianne Williamson and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips.

President Biden will not be on the New Hampshire primary ballot, as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has moved the primary calendar to begin in the South Carolina primary. However, voters can vote for Biden by writing in his name on the ballot. Additionally, more information about the candidates will be shared with the school in a chapel presentation on Jan. 22nd.

Upon entering the polling booth, you must choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot for voting. However, this is not binding for the rest of your voting history in New Hampshire, as you may fill out a form to remain an undeclared voter after casting your ballot. After selecting your ballot, the exciting part happens: voting for who you want to represent you in office.

These elections hold tremendous importance, and the results will impact every American. Therefore, it is critical that all members of the St. Paul’s community who are eligible voters fulfill their civic responsibility and show up at the polling booth this Jan. 23.

There will be SPS buses to the polling stations on Jan. 23 for all those who sign up using SPS Connected.

there is absolutely no escaping. But on the upside, while some parts of the year have certainly felt excruciatingly slow and long, everything will speed by from here (if we approach it with the right mentality).

First, we are not the only boarding school that goes through the winter. For some reason, the bubble of our school and campus seems to be enhanced with the cold. So, in this issue, we are starting a new initiative where we can see what a typical day is like at other schools. Plenty of other students are taking on the dark depths of winter in different ways! Stay tuned for articles coming in from Groton, Exeter, and St. Georges.

We also feel we owe a special message to the form of 2024. Three years ago, we were enduring the pandemic, and it was not easy. For those who don’t know, adversity looks like sitting in the snow outside to attempt to socialize during lunch as snow pelts down on your food. If we can do that, we can do anything. Time is slipping by FAST (for better and for worse), and if we want to be especially forlorn, the “lasts” are continuous: last fall on the ice, last frostbite, last frozen hair walk to the upper, etc. With applications finished, we have made it past the pinnacle moment of our St. Paul’s career, and we can finally breathe…the ice-cold air.

To the greater SPS community: we find ourselves at a crossroads of our winter term: apres ski or the heart of darkness. I think we all know which one is the better option… After all, many of us will never experience a notorious New Hampshire winter again, so we might as well find the parts we love and make it fun!

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARIES Sebastian Brigham '24 Continued from Page 1

ries, campaign intensity is only expected to increase. Here’s who to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks: Nikki Haley (Rep) In mid-December, former UN ambassador Haley received the support of Chris Sununu, New Hampshire governor. Since then, her popularity in the state has been on the rise. According to a Jan. 4 poll by The American Research Group, Haley has accumulated about 33 percent support in the state, while Former President Donald Trump has 37. In coming weeks, expect to see a heightened push from Haley’s campaign in New Hampshire, as her focus begins to shift from Iowa.

Ron DeSantis (Rep) New Hampshire has been something of an afterthought for DeSantis. In recent weeks, his top priority has been Iowa, where a second-place result could give him an edge over Haley in other states. After the Iowa caucuses, DeSantis immediately traveled to South Carolina, making a bid in Nikki Haley’s home state. The South Carolina primary does not take place until late February, however; although the New Hampshire primary

is on Jan. 23, it is clear that DeSantis has a focus on other states.

Donald Trump (Rep) Winning the New Hampshire Republican primary is crucial for the Trump campaign. An early victory in the state could overshadow his opponents and give him a relatively easy path to the presidential nomination –– but a loss in New Hampshire could make his road to the nomination significantly rockier. So, expect to see Trump campaigning around New Hampshire in the coming weeks. Don’t expect to see him at the upcoming debates, though; instead, he will be live on Fox News in an attempt to draw attention away from his opponents.

Dean Phillips (Dem) In the New Hampshire Democratic primary, Phillips hopes to turn his unlikely presidential bid into a serious candidacy. The race for Democratic nomination in New Hampshire is likely one between Phillips and Biden, whose name is not even on the ballot.

The Biden campaign’s decision not to run in New Hampshire may hinder his presidential bid; voters must manually write in his name in their ballot instead of simply choosing it.

In his long-shot bid for the New Hampshire nomination, Phillips hopes to put his name on the map.

PELICAN MASTHEAD EDITOR IN CHIEFS

Skylar Christoffersen ‘24 Lidia Zur Muhlen ‘24 MANAGING EDITORS

Andrew Choi ‘25 Lucas Miller ‘25 Cole Hamilton ‘24 LEAD C O PY E D I T O R

Cora Partridge ‘24 C O PY E D I T O R S

Kelly Sung ‘25 Nausicaa Chu ‘26 Will Ekstrand ‘24 Eden Knight '24 Sarah Lee '24 NEWS EDITOR

Lulu Mangriotis ‘25 OPINIONS EDITOR

Michael Nechipurenko ‘24 STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Henry Dennis ‘24 SPORTS EDITOR

Sam Bentley '24 Emerson Bentley '25 PHOTO EDITORS

Temi Johnson ‘24 Vin Chutijirawong '25 MEDIA EDITORS

Declan Schweizer ‘24 Henry Wilson ‘26 LAY O U T T EAM

Elle Ruminski '26 Aedyn Kourakos '26

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P.4

Student Life WHO'S IN THE PORTRAITS IN THE UPPER? Chiza Ilozor '27

The so-called “Upper-Upper,” built in 1912 and part of the Coit building, is the original dining hall of St. Paul’s School. If you have ever eaten in the Upper-Upper, you might have noticed the portraits on the walls

surrounding may haveby wondered Facesyou. in theYou Upper // Photo Tony Lai '26 who the people depicted in them are, and what role they played in SPS history. Most of the portraits are of former rectors, who have been crucial in advancing and reforming the

TWO DAYS IN THE LIFE AT GROTON Ben Milner '24 (Of The Groton School)

Editors’ Note: We asked Ben, a senior, to tell us about a couple of days in his life at Groton, a boarding school in Massachusetts.

What does a regular school day look like for you?

Our school day always begins with a short Chapel service, usually around 20 minutes long, followed by two 45-minute classes.

After the first two class blocks was Conference Period, where milk and cookies are always served at the bagel stand. After one more class, I had lunch with my friends. Two afternoon classes followed, followed by a workout in the gym and hockey practice. After a dinner of General Gao’s chicken and white rice, I headed off to the schoolhouse to get some homework done.

What do you do in the evenings during the week?

Just before checkin at 9:45 pm, a few friends and I walked around the circle to the dining hall to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. After checking in with the dorm, a few of us headed back out to play some pool and listen to music in the student center. All other students need to remain in their dorms after checkin, but as Sixth Formers, we are allowed to be out of our dorms until midnight.

You have Saturday classes. What is that like at Groton?

Saturday begins much like previous days, but there is no Chapel on Saturdays.

This means I go straight to my first two class-

school into what it is today.

The 148-year-old portraits hanging beneath the stained glass towards the front depict two people you might have heard of before: George Cheyne Shattuck, Jr., SPS founder, and Henry Augustus Coit, the first Rector. Other portraits in the Upper Upper include Charles Sigourney Knox and his brother, James Carter Knox. Their names might be unfamiliar, but they are both vital to St. Paul’s School history. Charles Knox, a faculty member of 48 years, founded the Reference and Shakespeare collections in the library. James Knox was a member of the form of 1865, then a faculty member for a total of 61 years. He improved the choir program, empowered countless students and singers, and wrote many of the hymns we sing in Chapel.

Many reminders of St. Paul’s School leg-

acy remain throughout the oldest buildings on campus. When we walk through the Schoolhouse or into the dining halls, we’re reminded that we are walking in the same place thousands of students also walked through and studied in.

Although the portraits might not be the first thing people think about when eating in the Upper-Upper, they symbolize how far St. Paul’s has come as a school. Originally, St. Paul’s was a school made up of just a handful of students and faculty, we now have 542 amazing students and 329 hardworking faculty members that are equipped with endless resources, that these people helped create.

The portraits remind us of the importance of remembrance. We remember those who have lifted us up. We must remember to give back to the people who helped us make SPS into what it is today.

STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Continued from Page 2

Edie Jones '24

the conference was effective both because of the keynote speakers’ messages and because of the connections they made in smaller group discussions. Liu says that she networked with a lot of people, including a few from her hometown, Atlanta, and Lam reports that the group chat from her Southeast

Asian Affinity group is still very active. Edwards agrees that he met people that he’ll absolutely keep in touch with, adding: “I really hope that St. Paul’s continues to send a cohort of students to the conference in the future.”

Photo courtesy of Ben Milner '24

es, followed by Roll Call in the forum at 10:15 am. At Roll Call, people announce birthdays, winter formal proposals, and the activities for the following night. One more class followed, and I was done for the day, so I headed across campus to the dining hall for lunch to fuel up for my afternoon hockey game against Governor’s Academy.

What are your Saturday night activities like?

This Saturday was Groton’s annual casino night, and we had a great time playing poker, blackjack, and roulette with friends.

Once we had finished playing casino games, we returned to our rooms to change for the dance. Usually there are a few dances a term, about one every two weekends. The dance was a hit, as always, and after an 11 pm check in, we wrapped up the night playing games in my friend's room until midnight before heading off to bed.

Marlie Ross '24, Cole Edwards '24, Hudson Stovall '24, and Dr. Justinvill at the Conference Photo courtesy of Cole Edwards '24

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P. 5

Student Life IS THE POND GOING TO FREEZE OVER? Miya Zhang '25 Ice-skating is an activity synonymous with St. Paul’s School winters, especially considering the first-ever game of ice hockey in the United States was played on the Lower School Pond in 1883. Looking outside the windows of the Ohrstrom Library, students were often seen enjoying the outdoor ice and making the most of New Hampshire’s cold winters. “Before coming to SPS, the videos and tales of skating on our pond was perhaps what I was most excited about first coming in, and is still my favorite thing about winter here,” says Olivia Hu ’25. Unfortunately, opportunities to skate and hold hockey practices on the Library Pond seem to have diminished. Will we be able to skate this year?

Not only does global warming increase average temperatures, it also introduces frequent freeze-thaw cycles. These fluctuating temperatures make the ice unsafe for activities such as skating. “The main challenge isn’t that it doesn’t get cold—we still get those low temperatures—the problem is that temperatures fluctuate, and this variability between really cold and really warm leads to ice-melting, meaning there’s less ice to skate on, but also that the stability of the existing ice is decreased,” said Environmental Steward Nicholas Babladelis.

This year is especially warm, considering that in addition to the human-induced changes to the weather, we are experiencing

an El Niño: a natural weather pattern bringing warm air to North America. Babladelis explains that these two factors, coupled with the rising temperatures of the Gulf of Maine, forecasts a particularly warm winter. “The realities of climate science say that as we warm the climate, we are really destabilizing weather patterns—which have a lot of variability already—leading to less predictability and more extremes,” says Babladelis.

It’s likely that the erratic temperatures will make it difficult to maintain the necessary conditions for a frozen pond. Even if we are able to skate, it’s likely that we will only have a handful of days on the ice. Babladelis jokes that the weather almanac would probably be a better source than him, but that he, along with all of us, is hoping that we will be able to skate on the pond, despite the unfavorable odds.

Graphic by Samantha Seeley '23

RETEACHING MYSELF TO TALK Stella McNab '25 I am addicted to talking. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from blabbing about the smallest thing from my ancient past while my conversation partner grins. Talking, sharing experiences and learning how to connect to other human beings are three of the most important things to me. That is why I decided to leave everything behind and move to France – ironic, right?

I believed that my developed French language abilities would allow me to connect to people on a culturally different level more than I ever had before, and I was right… for the most part. It took me a while to get to the stage where I could swap stories with the Uber driver or understand how to turn down the men passing out roses in every soirée.

In the beginning, I was silent. Every dinner conversation in my host family’s dining room flew completely over my head. Whenever they’d turn to ask me a question, I’d often reply quickly, embarrassed that my accent was bad and my vocabulary was weak. However, this wouldn’t do. I realized that just pointing at the water glass or making bizarre sounds with my mouth that even an English speaker wouldn’t understand wasn’t going to get me anywhere.

So each night after my host family began to wind down and I had finished my skincare routine, I would lay cozily in bed, pull out my computer and watch shows, movies, and the news in French. In the beginning, I was forced to rely solely on the subtitles, praying that one day I might be able to simultaneously perform my skincare routine whilst lis-

WINTER STUDY SPOTS How to survive the darkest months while maintaining "academic weapon" status Lulu Mangriotis '25 This is… Winter Study Spots Wrapped.

Winter: one of the darkest times at St. Paul’s, mentally, literally and metaphorically.

Nevertheless, school does not stop even when temperatures drop. Here is my list of the best study spots for Winter Term.

Bedroom Floor Starting off strong, the first study spot on the list is your bedroom floor. I have always been a floor girl, but there has truly been something special about my floor these days.

Immense amounts of creativity flow when you are on your bedroom floor. I have written essays, labs and my best Pelican articles on that floor.

You might be wondering: why is the floor special to winter? The answer is warmth.

The floor’s sheer proximity to the heaters is unmatched and makes for one of the most energy-efficient study spaces on SPS campus to date.

Schoolhouse Reading Room The Schoolhouse Reading Room is an excellent, tried-and-true study space, especially for work during the day. Once the Hum Flex population leaves, a sense of calm covers the room and the Reading Room transforms from a social hotspot to one of the most productive spaces at SPS. One of the leading factors that makes the Reading Room appealing tening to Nos Jours Heureuex or Lupin.

Unfortunately, there was yet another hurdle I had yet to even consider: slang. This frightening beast had not even crossed my mind when I decided to watch these movies, but as soon as I heard “la meuf ” or “le mec,” I knew I was in the danger zone. In French, the majority of the slang words are known as “le verlan,” which can most commonly be achieved by flipping a given French word backwards. For example, “la femme” becomes “la meuf.”

Slowly, I was able to pick up on a few of these words (whilst also browsing through forums intended for parents). So, whenever I get bored of learning the ‘school-taught’ French that my teachers assign me, I’ll take up a movie or TV show. I think finding the balance between learning the necessary grammar and vocabulary and spoken French is key to understanding the language. This same principle applies to all languages across the globe.

during the winter is its location. Either a tensecond walk from Lindsay or a fully heated stroll from a Schoolhouse classroom, the easy commute makes the Reading Room the ideal winter hub.

Baker Reading Room of Ohrstrom Library The Baker Reading Room of the Library has become one of the most productive areas on campus, especially during the winter months. It perfectly mixes socializing with productivity. To enhance your experience, bring a pair of headphones to provide tangible separation between focused studying and fun breaks. Although large, this room can still give off warm and cozy vibes. For that reason, I highly recommend it during winter.

Upper Common Room Finally, there is the Upper Common Room, which is especially useful during very studious mornings. I find it helpful to separate morning studying from my room, and there is something so quintessentially “winter” in the Upper Common Room…possibly the looming sense of seasonal affective disorder. However, this should not ruin your impression of the Upper Common Room, truly one of the most productive winter spots. So take it upon yourself to make the negative ten degrees 6am walk all the way to the motherland of morning productivity at SPS. I am thankful that I am now able to hold conversations with my host mom, telling her about the fireworks I saw at l’Arc de Triomphe or my trip to London with my dad. These little milestones amount to something, and looking back to see all the progress I’ve made has been nothing short of satisfying.

Graphic by Julia Koeman '25

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P. 6

Student Life TEACHER OF THE ISSUE: MS. RYDER Chemistry teacher is a light to the SPS community and the students she teaches Henry Elworth '27 Beloved chemistry teacher Tori Ryder brings warmth and joy to everyone in Lindsay's classrooms. As the Pelican staff and the student body at large fondly remember her fourth form classes, Ryder has been named our first “Teacher of the Issue.”

With 42 years of teaching, 31 at St. Paul’s, Ryder is incredibly experienced in both education and science. Throughout her career she taught various chemistry courses and even geomorphology at her previous school. Both her parents and great aunt were teachers, which she says allowed her to familiarize herself with teaching. "I had education in my family, so it wasn't an unknown profession,” Ryder explains.

She says that attending the Taft School in Connecticut as a student only added to her love of teaching. Being a student at boarding school showed her that working at another boarding school would reward her with a similar experience through teaching, coaching and advising, all in one job.

One of her most paramount beliefs, Ryder says, is that the student always comes first and that their well-being is above all

Ryder at her classroom desk // Photo by Gaby Purvis '24

else, whether in the chemistry classroom, the field, or the dorm. “To be the best teacher one can be,” she says, “one needs to have a sense of humor, to admit mistakes, and to be con-

sistent with every student.”

Two of her current Chemistry students, Asher Gupta ‘26 and Harry Eichelberger ‘26, believe her warmth makes it easy for students

to ask questions or make mistakes in learning. “She not only explains complex topics well, but also works hard to make sure each and every student has a good grasp of the material,” Gupta explains.

Ryder welcomes her students to class each day with a smile, asks them about their day and tries her best to understand the challenges they might be going through. She always makes an effort to reach a student who is struggling in her class, making sure no one is left behind. Ryder’s warmth, passion, and care for her students have left an unforgettable mark on everyone she has taught. “The most important part of my job, and what brings me back every year, is the students,” says Ryder. “No two classes are the same because of the students. Their constant energy and inquisitiveness keep me going every day.”

Ryder holds the Frederic C. Hamilton Chair in Energy and Resource Studies for science teaching, has been a recipient of the Form of the 1973 Mentor Fellowship, and is currently a co-adviser to the GSA.

DYNAMIC DUOS ON CAMPUS: SAM AND CAM Kevin Wu '25

Sam and Cam twinning and winning // Photo courtesy of Sam Bently '24 and Cam Perry '24

Meet Sam Bentley ‘24 and Cameron Perry ‘24: the dynamic duo of the century!

These two peas in a pod bring laughter, adventure stories, and jokes to their friendship, something that’s only reinforced by their rhyming nicknames. “Cam’s a great friend of mine and we spend a lot of time together, so it’s been great,” says Bentley. Perry adds: “You always need someone to help you, you always need a helping hand, especially when you are having a bad day. Sam does that for me.”

In three words, Cam describes this relationship as “joking, helpful, and goofy.” The two truly have a lot of fun. “Our favorite memory was probably when we went on a programmed hiking trip to Alaska for three weeks. It was super dope. It was super tough, but I did it with Sam,” says Perry. The power of friendship can withstand even the strongest forces of nature.

Like MJ and Scottie, peanut butter and jelly or Batman and Robin, Sam and Cam are an iconic pair with a friendship that stands the test of time. Their bond is so strong that some say it could rival history's greatest duos: Woody and Buzz, C3PO and R2-D2, or Mario and Luigi. “I think we’re the greatest duo there is. There really is no comparison,” says Bentley. “It’s pretty obvious why Cam and I are the ‘greatest duo.’”

Perry agrees. “I think it’s rude to even compare, it’s a crime to say that any duo could rival us.”

Through thick and thin, these two have seen it all. Their pride in their friendship is something we all need at St. Paul’s. According to Perry, Bentley needs help from Perry in “every way possible.” Their adoration for each other teaches us that it is crucial for every member of this community to feel loved and appreciated and to have someone care for them.

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P.7

Student Life SPS BUZZFEED QUIZ

LA COLOMBE Lulu Mangriotis '25 Continued from Page 1

ried me through my darkest days here at St. Paul’s and I know it did the same for so so many others.

The loss of La Colombe to the community is truly unfathomable, and I am still in shock. But I demand justice. Why gone so fast? We didn’t even get to say goodbye. No warning, radio silence. I am left with so many regrets. I should’ve savored my time with my La Colombes, and said a thankful prayer to them each day.

La Colombe costs less than 4 dollars per can. “There are some weeks that we sell approximately 100 cans,” says Mimi. Although

Graphic by Lulu Mangriotis '25

Written by Lulu Mangriotis '25 // Graphic by Michaela Hope '25

THE DJ CRAZE Liv MacMillan '25 As we ring in 2024, I say it’s time to reflect on how music trends have changed over the course of the past year. Obviously, every year Pop and Rap dominate the charts. 2023 was no different. The eternal reign of Drake and Taylor Swift as most of our top artists continued. However, there is a genre that has gained a well deserved resurgence: EDM, or electronic dance music. While I’m sure many of us have enjoyed this style of music for a long time, there is no denying it has crept its way into the mainstream this year like never before. EDM has maintained a significant cult following since the 1990s when rave culture took flight, but there is something to be

said about the fact that the genre has gone from populating underground warehouses to now high school dances. It’s possible the isolation of the pandemic has pushed us to crave for the energy and connection provided by the EDM community. Essentially, we want to have fun. And I say that’s not a crime.

Before Winter Break, I asked my friends what was on their Christmas list, and was shocked to hear many of them, just like me, had asked for a DJ board. If this is not evidence of the growth of EDM I don’t know what is. I can’t come to a conclusive answer about the increased interest in DJing, and why it is happening right now, but it seems

2024 might be a golden year for electronic music. When I finally bought my board, I realized I was sorely mistaken that it was an easy hobby anyone with a simple could just casually pick up. I thought the only thing required to be a good DJ was good music taste.

I was very wrong. I spent days testing software and matching BPMs just trying to make a transition that didn’t sound awful. I took many trips to my favorite place: Guitar Center, buying equipment I never knew I needed and eventually even exchanged my original board for another. And this was only the easiest part. I hadn’t even attempted to actually mix a song yet, god forbid play anything in front of anyone. The stereotypes about DJs might be both hilarious and partly true, but they have my respect because good mixing is more stressful than it looks and requires timing and concentration. Despite this, I encour-

I tried to curb my La Colombe coffee addiction due to primarily the amount of money I was spending per day, I’d say I bought a can three or four times per week and I know many who did the same.

The store has been in touch with La Colombe and are waiting for communication about continuing to provide this coffee for students. The repercussions of the La Colombe exile are impossible to predict. While contributing to more financial responsibility, it will simultaneously contribute to tired, sad, and grieving students. To summarize, we are left destitute—without La Colombe.

age all of you who are interested, as I expect and hope many of you are, to pursue this hobby! There’s a learning curve, but it is fun and exciting, and can become a great creative outlet. You can also make some solid money in college… If you’re interested in EDM, take some time to explore the music and its history. Whether you like house or dubstep there’s something for everyone, and there's lots of fun new innovative music perfect for expanding your horizons in 2024.

Graphic by Kiki Hillary '24

January 23, 2024

The Pelican

Student Life THE SPS CROSSWORD PUZZLE Henry Dennis '24

P. 8

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P. 9

Student Life STYLE COLUMN: LUCE BENETTON '25

THE SPS COMIC Luke Wolfram '27

Lidia Zur Muhlen '24

SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE APRES SKI MIXER Sarah Ernst '24 What sounds like the perfect night back from a three-week-long winter break: an Après Ski party? Coming back to school, Saturday Night Life needed to put on an event that would spike the student body’s interest.

Luckily, Loulie Reyes ’25 came to the rescue with the perfect solution: an Après Ski Mixer.

Students were given time to prepare their attire over break to give this mixer the needed winter spirit. As people filed into the lower level of Friedman Community Center for the event, their outfits varied from bodysuits to fun sweaters, ski goggles and more! Sadly, the weather was a day late, with ski-appropriate snow conditions arriving the morning after.

The mixer had the hype it needed from students talking about their outfits and whether the automatic lights in Friedman could be turned off for the dance. Sadly, this question was not answered. “The mixer and music had great potential, the lights were just too bright,” said Parker Hanson ’25.

Many agreed with Parker’s sentiments.

“Why couldn’t we turn the lights off?” asked Aedyn Kourakos ’26. Some students speculated that if the lights in the basement were turned off, the entire building would go dark.

I guess we will never know. Luckily, the mixer had fantastic music and energy, with Reyes and Lucas Conrod ’25 acting as student DJs. Overall, the mixer was deemed a suc-

cess. The snowcones were delectable, and it is rumored that they ran out at 9 pm. After the event ended, fifth and sixth form students gathered at the fire pits for s’mores, hot chocolate and great memories. Despite the temperature being 28 degrees Fahrenheit, students were not frozen and everyone made it safely back to their dorm in time for check. A windchill was felt across the campus the following day as 8 inches of snow arrived.

The next dance is Winter Formal, and students are excited for the first official dance of 2024. Questions around campus are about who will be DJing and whether the dance will be casino-themed. Luckily, the lights in Raffini Commons are not automated, so an overly lit Formal will not be a concern. Are you excited? Get ready to dance the night away as your excitement for the Winter Long Weekend grows.

Luce Benetton ‘25 adds a cool flare to campus style. Like many students at St. Paul’s, she is not from the United States. Luce hails from Treviso, Italy, and she says her style helps her to remember and embrace her home culture while also finding where she fits in on campus. Italy is known for having a vibrant fashion scene, with beautiful clothing and craftsmanship, and Milan is renowned as one of the fashion capitals of the world.

While Luce says Treviso’s style is not very different from other European countries, “generally people like to dress elegant and simple, but add layers to make the outfits more complex.”

Growing up in Treviso also opened up Luce’s eyes to many different cultures and people who lived in other places in Europe.

“I find a lot of inspiration from Stockholm, which is characterized by colorful patterns and stripes,” she says.

As for her style icons, Luce says she has always loved Brigitte Bardot’s style in the 80s and 90s. Bardot remains a huge fashion figure today, as many people continue to try and emulate her classy yet cutting-edge outfits. “Her style exuded timeless and sophisticated elegance.” Luce also loves Jesly Diman-

te, who she says “ shares a more modern experience yet similar allure to Bardot’s style.”

The key to their success in fashion, Luce says, is their “good blend of simplicity and originality.”

Luce shows us that even simple outfits can be dressed up, and she adds creativity to simple outfits with accessories. “My outfits never lack headbands, bows, and creative, colorful jewelry.” In fact, Luce is actually a small business owner because of her appreciation for accessories. “I started my jewelry business, Kandinski Jewels, because I wanted share vibrant fashion with others, reflecting my colorful and artistic personality.”

There are a number of things we can take away from Luce’s style. But something particularly interesting is that all of the places where she draws inspiration from have something in common: timeless elegance. And that’s what makes Luce’s style so cool and sophisticated. She reminds us that the only way to find that style is by watching and observing others. “Find your style vibe by getting inspiration from looking at people on the street and try to draw aspects from that and make it your own,” she says. It can be fun to keep up and follow the latest trends, but sometimes you can make the same statement by keeping it simple and of course, having confidence.

Graphic by Ava Price '24

Luce in a classic outfit // Photo courtesy of Luce Benetton '25

The Pelican

January 23, 2024

P.10

Opinions ROGUE

CATCHING UP ON RECENT POP CULTURE EVENTS Nel Peter '25 and EJ Johnson '25 Welcome back folks, did you miss us?

Because we missed you! This edition of ROGUE is going to share our thoughts on some recent pop culture moments. Shoutout to all our sherpas and of course our !Rookies who remember us from Fall Term.

Have you felt incarcerated by winter? We have! Can’t say the same about our dear friend Gypsy, though. How happy are we to report she is free and roaming the “fire” hills of Louisiana! If you're not a Gypsy Rose supporter, please leave the chat, and if you feel uneducated, we encourage you to look to TikTok to stay informed. On a more serious

note, Gypsy Rose has risen to stardom after her release from prison and now speculation surrounding a potential new film has been circulating the media. Joey King’s performance apparently didn’t cut it. We have word that Ms. Rose has chosen Millie Bobby Brown to play herself, and she's also spiffing up her foxtrot to go for the Mirrorball on Dancing with the Stars! Best of luck, Gypsy.

We hope many of you tuned in to watch this year's Golden Globes…we didn’t (go Blue). Instead, we were captivated the next day by the sorry highlight reel of the emcee Jo Koy (don’t worry, we also don’t know who

WHY I...

DEBATE Asher Gupta '27 Initially, I had a fervent distaste for debate; it seemed so boring and dry to me. It was in seventh grade, when I was signing up for my school’s badminton team trials, that I decided to click the next box for my school’s debate team. Why not try out something new?

As I practiced, I brought stronger points to each speech by learning specific techniques like speech structure, rebuttal selection and point analysis. For example, fleshing out a complex motion about pro-immigration policies could be split into a simple point about the job sector, with explanations and evidence to back it up.

But that wasn’t even the crux of what debate brought me. While the activity improved my skills at the podium, it also benefited me in real life. Before debate, my voice was diminished; it held less weight because I wasn’t expressive or engaging. But now, I feel more energetic and persuasive all around, from my hand gestures, abrupt pauses, and smooth flow of speech. Each part of a debate would combine with the others bit by bit into a compelling whole.

There are always two sides to a story: the Covid-19 vaccine, immigration, cryptocurrency and many other controversial topics.

Unfortunately, we tend to be stuck in an echo chamber, one that doesn’t let us step outside

of a narrow tunnel of confirmation bias. But because debate makes you argue two sides of a motion, I’ve been pushed to understand and respect other viewpoints and perspectives.

Debate also has a distinct power to connect different people and cultures, from a small community competition where you get to know your team to connections on a global scale. Two years ago, I led students from Canada, Colombia, Thailand, Australia, India and Singapore on a 3-month TEDx public speaking course, where I taught them how to develop compelling stories and speak effectively. It was such an eye-opening experience to hear so many different stories from each of them every session.

Just this summer, I had the chance to supervise groups of younger middle school students from my home country at competitions in Doha, Seoul, and Bangkok. It was fantastic to bring them to a competition on an international scale all while developing my own perspectives. A few months ago, I started a small public speaking company in my free time, where we most recently sent a group of students to a selective competition at Yale last November.

So why do I debate? It’s complicated, but the combination of benefits, from compelling speeches, energy, wider perspective, and global influence, are all reasons why I keep debate part of my life.

that is). He unfortunately stumbled upon some distasteful, and rather public, misogyny, which drew nothing but silence from your favorite celebs. Mr. Koy thought he would evoke laughter by attacking Taylor Swift and Margot Robbie. Major airball. Words of the wiser: blonds have more fun, and we still don't know who Jo Koy is.

Speaking of men we don’t know: does anyone know who four-time gold medalist Simone Biles’s husband is? Check yourself: it’s Jonathan Owens. Yeah, our bells aren’t ringing either. The Packers safety is clearly not media-trained because he seemed to think it

was a good idea to go after his own wife on the Pivot podcast.

Now, let's shift gears to the box office, where Saltburn traumatized viewers globally this month while simultaneously putting them onto an old banger by Sophie EllisBextor. You know the one: it’s Murder on the Dance Floor (but you better not kill the groove)! Also popularized by TikTok, we will leave the watchability of this controversial film to your discretion.

Go rogue or go home.

WHAT'S IN THE WATER?

THE SIXTH FORM'S FINAL WINTER Jack Bretl '24 For the sixth form, I believe a corner has been turned. We are certainly not going downhill yet, but I believe we have reached a plateau at the top of the mountain and can almost see the decline. With college applications submitted and some of my peers already hearing good news, it is nice to see that weight taken off our shoulders. However, there are still many who continue to wait on their college decisions and are becoming anxious to see the results. I will say: there are a lot of games left to be played. I am confident great things are in store for all of us.

Since the first snow on campus this past week I have started to realize that this will be the seniors’ last winter on this campus and I think we owe it to ourselves to enjoy it. Winter gets a lot of bad press here because of the cold and the fact that the sun begins to set on your way to sports, but it also has its pros. Just this past Sunday afternoon I went sledding with my friends and then enjoyed a great dinner with all of them before returning to my dorm to watch football and enjoy the evening. Last Saturday, Gordon Rink was packed for the boys hockey game. Despite the tie, that game will go down as the most thrilling SPS sporting event I have ever attended.

I have grown closer to a lot of my peers

and done my best to do as much as possible in the community, and this has truly made this winter the best one yet. That should be all sixth formers’ goal: to make this winter the best one yet. I guarantee that all of us will at some point during college miss the times we spent with our friends in Millville on a cold January night. Whether that be hanging out in the common room watching a movie or making a delicious cup of hot chocolate before bed, there are so many exciting things to do this winter. You just have to do it. People are quick to say that the campus becomes gloomy in the winter, but if you look hard enough, this campus comes alive in the winter. SPS is a beautiful place to be all year long and I urge the entire community to take advantage of all that SPS has to offer during the winter months.

Graphic by Julia Koeman '25

January 23, 2024

The Pelican

P. 11

Sports A LOOK AT THE GIRLS JV HOCKEY TEAM Sam Bently '24

It is safe to say that the 2022-23 season was very successful for St. Paul’s girls hockey program, with the varsity team winning a NEPSAC Large School Championship and the JV squad, once again, going undefeated.

Over the past few years, the girls JV hockey team has been building a dynasty. The team, up to this point, has only one loss over the past three seasons in NEPSAC play. In addition, very few of these games have been close contests. In fact, the self-proclaimed “Juckers” often jump to large leads very early in their games. The girls JV hockey team consists of a wide variety of players, including some completely new to the sport of hockey and others who have been playing for over ten years.

In the past, the “Juckers” have been led by their fearless Sixth Formers. However, for the first time in recent memory, there are no Sixth Formers on the JV puck team. This year, the team is led by Fifth Form players Meg Bohan ‘25, Ali Cabot ‘25, Emerson Bentley ‘25, and Parker Neilson ‘25, each with three years of experience on girls JV hockey. Following the team’s undefeated season last year, “The juniors felt ready to take on the big responsibility of leading such an important team on campus,” said Bentley.

“Last season, we dominated the competition, and this year we hope to continue that legacy,” said Neilson. While Cabot is busy playing defense and Neilson is defending the goal, Bentley and Bohan have spent the past three years together on the top line for the Big Red. “Our friendship off the ice is key to our chemistry and success on the ice,” said Bentley. While the Fifth Formers on the team

have certainly provided a lot of leadership this year, they all insist that at the end of the day, their success is owed to the leadership of their coach, Dick Muther.

Much of the girls’ success has been fueled by their game-day rituals. “Generations of Juckers have upheld this tradition, and we perform intense visualization before every game. This is essential to our success,” says Bentley. “We don’t warm up our bodies, but only our minds. Visualization is key,” said Neilson.

You might notice a few differences between the attire of the girls JV and varsity hockey teams. The first would be the JV squad's creative addition of bright neon fanny packs. One of the many JV hockey traditions is to wear a fanny pack filled with candy to snack on during pregame warmups and during stoppages of plays. While this is definitely nontraditional, the “Juckers” are adamant that the fanny packs are key to the team’s success. “The reason we are always winning is because we are fueled by our fanny packs,” said Bohan ‘25.

Another difference is the tape on their sticks. Most hockey players are very particular about their tape and the “Juckers” are no different. While almost every hockey player in the world uses either black or white stick tape, the “Juckers” are an interesting exception. According to Bentley, the tape is not only a style decision but it affects their play: “Recently, we’ve been rocking pink tape and flame tape on our sticks, which always add extra heat to our slap shots.”

Although the team had a tough loss to a nationally-ranked U14 AAA team a few weeks ago, they hope to finish the remainder of their season undefeated.

SPS JUCK huddle // Photo by Hal Johnson '25

TEAM HIGHLIGHT: BOYS VARSITY SQUASH Helen Burger '24

Squash player on the courts during practice // Photo by Temi Johnson '24

Every day, eleven of St. Paul’s finest male squash players gather in the McLane Squash courts to set off their practice. The team hails from around the world, featuring players from the US, Canada, and China. The St. Paul’s varsity boys squash team has had a smashing success in the beginning of the season. With two solid wins consisting of a sweep against Brooks (7-0), and a near sweep at Tabor (6-1), they are proving to be a formidable team.

Led by captains Nathan Rosenzweig ‘24, commonly known as “Swags,” Jay Park ‘24, and Jerry Zhu ‘24, the squad has solid leadership to take them through the tough winter season. The team has an upcoming home game against Belmont Hill on February 2nd, so be sure to make an appearance at the McLane Squash courts to view the boys in their element.

“The team is a tight-knit environment of academic weapon, has a good study culture, and a casual fun vibe,” says Rosenzweig, who adds that a significant part of their time to-

gether is spent “making jokes and being goofy.” The team is unique, he says, in the sense that “We have players who've just picked up the sport a few years ago and players who have been playing since five years old.” Additionally, he says the team is also “lucky to have a coach with so much experience and expertise.”

“The biggest part of our culture is competition,” says Park. “We are all competitive, and have a drive to beat the person ahead of us in the ladder.” Squash’s ladder-based system allows for healthy competition between teammates, helping each player to continue to improve their own games.

The bond between the guys on the varsity squash team is strong. Park recounts that the team loves to “coach each other, record videos to study, and cheer each other on. The healthy balance between rivalry and respect is what allows us to thrive.” Park describes the squad as “close-knit,” highlighting their strengths in competition and rivalry. “It's a beautiful team.”

January 23, 2024

The Pelican

P. 12

Sports TEAM HIGHLIGHT: GIRLS JV BASKETBALL Parker Hanson '25

The St. Paul’s girls’ JV basketball team has had a strong start after winter break with a big win over KUA. After four losses to start the season, they were able to bounce back on Jan. 10, where they benefited from balanced scoring: ten of their 15 players recorded a point. In addition, Bianca Ihekwoaba knocked down a three-pointer. The team finished with a win of 52-18. The season is still young for the team, with only five games under their belts and nine games left. There is certainly still time to build momentum and start securing some wins.

Manager Sarah Ernst ‘24 believes that “losses don't represent us; we can only grow.

We have a young squad with great Sixth Form leadership.” Bringing in six new Third Formers this year, the squad is definitely young. However, they are led by experienced captains Katy Scott ‘24, Bianca Ihekwoaba ‘24, and Beatrice Selch ‘24.

Scott describes the team as having “such an accepting and fun atmosphere. Everyone is valued regardless of athletic ability.” With

an environment like this on the court, Scott says the girls are really able to connect with one another and create a “fire team dynamic.”

Throughout her JV ball years, Scott says she has “gotten to meet so many great people and strengthen the most amazing, strong, fire relationships with my fellow JV ball captains.

Me, Bianca, and Bea forever.” Under the leadership of these three, the team will hopefully be able to cultivate some strong team chemistry and use it to conquer their next opponents.

Following these first few losses, Coaches Pres Hagen and Rick Pacelli say they look to implement a new press that will hopefully strengthen the team’s defense. With adding something new, like this press, there will definitely be a few wrinkles to work out, but these coaches say they have full confidence in the girls and that they will be able to perfect it soon.

This JV hoops squad has a spree of four home games coming up and are looking for a strong fan turnout to support them in search of their first victory of the season.

JV Girls Basketball player Yuna Hong '26 on the court // Photo by Vin Chutijirawong '25

Written by Emerson Bentley '25 // Graphic by Cole Hamilton '24